Lawyers for a Brackenridge man who faces a potential death penalty for the alleged murder of his 9-year-old son in New Kensington claim prosecutors violated the state’s standard for a speedy trial. They asked a Westmoreland County judge Tuesday to dismiss homicide and other related charges against Jean Charles, 44,
Attorneys for an Allegheny County man facing a potential death penalty for the alleged murder of his 9-year-old son in New Kensington told a Westmoreland County judge that prosecution delays have left them unable to move forward with preparing their defense. The case has languished in the courts for nearly
A change implemented last year in how Westmoreland County pays defense lawyers appointed by judges to represent indigent criminal defendants nearly doubled costs for the program in 2023. Faced with opposition from the pool of lawyers who sought 
higher pay, the county in June shifted back to a system where
Westmoreland County has cut a new deal with its lawyers. The county salary board approved the four-year agreement Tuesday. It starts new attorneys at $65,000 a year. Lawyers hired in 2023 would be likewise adjusted. More senior lawyers would see comparable salary increases, according to human resources director Alexis Bevan.
Starting salaries for Westmoreland County assistant district attorneys and public defenders will increase 24% this year under terms of a new labor deal approved Tuesday. The county’s salary board, which includes the three commissioners and Controller Jeffrey Balzer, signed off on the four-year labor deal for the collective bargaining unit